Last year, the world shared in Delaney Krings’ fight against terminal cancer when they sent cards for her fifth birthday. Now, with a heavy heart and immense sorrow, we say goodbye as she has passed away.
In October 2022, Delaney of Pewaukee, Wisconsin was dealt with a difficult diagnosis; Diffuse Midline Glioma (DMG), an inoperable pediatric brain tumor. The grim prognosis given was only six to eight weeks left to live.
Sadly, Heather Krings, Delaney’s mother at 43 years of age announced the death of her daughter on Saturday 28 January after 12 weeks after the initial diagnosis.
“Our sweet angel baby has gained her wings,” she wrote.
She expressed her heartfelt gratitude for the immense amount of love her family has been inundated with in recent days and urged people to honor her daughter’s memory by “paying kindness forward.”
Last year, thousands of people around the world were moved by Delaney’s story and decided to commemorate her fifth birthday with cards sent from all corners of the globe. Additionally, those closest to her hometown organized a parade in her honor.
When Delaney’s persistent ear infection didn’t disappear, her parents took her to the pediatrician. A CT scan revealed that she had a tumor on both sides of her brain, extending down to the base of her skull.
On 31 October 2022, Delaney was diagnosed with DMG and her parents decided to honor her fifth birthday on 16 December by celebrating the life she has.
A friend’s idea sparked a movement that had the entire nation sending Delaney birthday cards, bringing joy and inspiration to our community.
Delaney’s heartwarming story resonated around the world, prompting thousands to send cards in honor of her birthday last December.
In an interview with TMJ4 News in Milwaukee, Jack Krings, her father shared: “I’m just happy she gets to enjoy her birthday.”
“There’s no way to thank everybody, but, from the bottom of our hearts we appreciate everything.”
Heather’s post on CaringBridge resonated with hundreds, who reached out to share their support and similar stories.
Last Monday, Heather Krings provided an update on their CaringBridge page – it had been 12 weeks since the diagnosis of her daughter.
“As diligently as I try to keep myself together, there are increasingly more moments of unstoppable tears, rage at the universe, and simply empty helplessness.”
“We do everything we can to keep her as comfortable and pain-free as possible. Meds, 24-hour monitoring, ensuring she is warm and swaddled in clean butt wrappings and the softest blankies and pillows possible.”
“Anytime she is awake – which is getting more limited and farther between – we make sure she sees our faces and hears us softly telling her how much she is cherished. We still get the occasional point, wave, or snap to let us know her preferences.”
She continued: “She doesn’t deserve this lot in life. She has been the easiest baby, the sweetest toddler, the most loving and energetic, curious little girl. She has brought so much love and happiness into this world and has made such a positive impact for so many.”
“To see her slowly slip away from us in a body that is defying the light of her soul is devastating. The only solace we can hold close is that we are doing everything we can to keep her pain-free as possible, surrounded with warmth and love to spite the evil taking her from us.”
The message concluded with: “Hug your people, love your people. Tomorrow is never guaranteed.”
